A lively and well-focused survey of a key aspect of modern Britain, especially its changing role in the international economy.
Professor Jim Tomlinson, University of Glasgow, UK
The new edition comes at a fitting time, with many things changing so quickly in the UK… a neat overview of how things work in the UK, and why, as well as indications of how Britons feel about them.
Clare Maas, University of Trier, Germany
Covers a wide variety of important themes and developments in recent British history, and does so in an admirably concise compass…. very recent developments such as Brexit and Covid-19 make this updated edition all the more valuable.
Professor Matthew Mason, Brigham Young University, USA
A useful, efficient and balanced account of the UK’s political, economic and societal state of affairs.
Professor Gareth John, St. Cloud State University, Minnesota, USA
The fallout from Brexit and Covid-19, ongoing political turmoil, economic decline and calls for a second Scottish independence referendum make for deeply uncertain times in contemporary Britain. What will the country look like in five years from now? Will it even exist in its present form?
Introducing you to all aspects of British history, geography, society, politics, economy and culture, this book guides you through the country’s enduring features and recent trends:
-Growing racial, religious, national and cultural diversity
-Demographic shifts, including the move from a welfare state to a stakeholder society
-The altered balance of power among government institutions, as the UK adapts to life outside the EU
-Shifts in economic policy, following the impact of Brexit, Covid-19 and the war in Ukraine
-Changing voter attitudes, with questions raised about the balance between the major political parties
-The impact of social media and alternative communications channels on media, culture and politics.
With key data, further reading suggestions and case studies on topics such as attitudes towards the monarchy, regional inequalities and national cuisine, Contemporary Britain is the ideal introduction for students and interested general readers alike.
1. Historical Context
2. Land and People
3. Social System
4. Government
5. Politics and Civil Society
6. The Economy
7. Culture and Lifestyle
8. Britain and the World
9. Conclusions
This series provides lively and accessible introductions to key countries and regions of the world, conceived and designed to meet the needs of today’s students. The authors are all experts with specialist knowledge of the country or region concerned and have been chosen also for their ability to communicate clearly to a non-specialist readership. Each text has been specially commissioned for the series and is structured according to a common format.